Unless you’re actively trying to get pregnant, having unprotected sex isn’t the smartest move, but hey, we’re all human and accidents can happen. Condoms break, pills get forgotten, and suddenly you find yourself at risk of an unintended pregnancy. That’s where emergency contraception, like the Plan B pill or Ella, comes to the rescue.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two emergency contraceptives: Plan B pills (levonorgestrel) and Ella (ulipristal).
First things first, both pills serve the same purpose. They’re designed to be used as emergency contraceptives after you’ve had unprotected or unplanned sex. Just a quick reminder though, relying solely on emergency contraception is not a reliable long-term birth control strategy. It should only be used as a backup option when your primary method fails.
It’s important to note that neither of these pills can terminate an existing pregnancy. Despite their common nickname of “morning-after pills,” they are not abortion pills. So, let’s keep that distinction in mind.
Difference #1: Where the pills are available
Now, let’s delve into the first and most notable difference between these two emergency contraceptives: the ease of access.
Plan B pills take the lead in this category. They are conveniently available over-the-counter and can be found at various drug stores, pharmacies, and even grocery stores. The best part is that anyone, regardless of age, can purchase Plan B pills if they are sold at their local pharmacy. You don’t need a prescription or any complicated process. It’s as simple as picking it up off the shelf. The average cost of Plan B pills at most drugstores is around $50.
On the other hand, Ella requires a prescription. You’ll need to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide you with a prescription for Ella. This distinction means that accessing Ella may involve additional steps and potentially higher costs, depending on your healthcare coverage. However, it’s worth noting that Ella remains effective for a longer period after unprotected sex compared to Plan B. Additionally, it’s specifically recommended for individuals who weigh over 155 lbs. We’ll explore this aspect further in the following sections.
Difference #2 – Timing and safe amount of use
When it comes to the effectiveness and mechanism of action, there are important distinctions between Plan B Pills and Ella.
Plan B Pills are designed to be taken within three days, or 72 hours, of unprotected sex. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident. One advantage of Plan B Pills is that they can be taken multiple times during the menstrual cycle if necessary. However, it’s crucial to know that relying regularly on Plan B as a primary form of contraception is not recommended. It should be used strictly as an emergency option.
On the other hand, Ella pills contain 30 mg of ulipristal and are effective if taken within five days of unprotected sex. Unlike Plan B Pills, Ella is intended for one-time use only during your menstrual cycle. It’s essential to take Ella as soon as possible after receiving the pill for optimal effectiveness.
Both Plan B Pills and Ella work by preventing or delaying ovulation. By doing so, they ensure that there is no egg available for fertilization to occur. However, Ella has an additional mechanism of action. It may also thin the lining of the uterus, making it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant and initiate a pregnancy. This distinction allows Ella to be effective for up to five days after unprotected sex, compared to the three-day effectiveness window of Plan B Pills.
Difference #3 – Plan B Pills have a weight limit
When it comes to weight considerations, it’s worth noting that Plan B pills are known to be most effective for individuals weighing under 155 pounds. If you find yourself in need of emergency contraception and Plan B is the only option available, don’t worry. It can still be effective for individuals over 155 pounds, and using it is certainly a better choice than forgoing emergency contraception altogether. However, if possible, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider about your specific situation and follow their guidance.
While both Plan B and Ella should ideally be easily accessible, there might be concerns about purchasing them and having them on hand when needed. That’s where wisp can come to the rescue. With wisp, you can connect with a doctor online who can prescribe the emergency contraception you require and address any questions or concerns you may have. Additionally, you can even proactively purchase Plan B ahead of time, keeping it in your medicine cabinet for those unexpected moments that life may throw at you. With wisp, you can ensure that you have a reliable solution readily available for any emergency situations.